Aug. 2020
European Football Rules August
Ten straight days of European football? Hate to say this only happens thanks to …COVID-19. Pandemic worries aside, things have been going well in Lisbon, where eight remaining teams will be chasing one target - the precious UEFA Champions League trophy.
On Wednesday, Kylian Mbappe could return for PSG after recovering from an ankle injury. Thus, Mbappe, Neymar & Co. are expected to go full force against Atalanta - a UCL debutant with full package of surprises. For the Nerazzurri, finishing third in Series A with 98 goals scored already posed a threat to any side in Lisbon, especially PSG, who has never won a single game against an Italian side in the UCL.
On Thursday, Timo Werner-less RB Leipzig will face Diego Simeone’s men, who dramatically dethroned Liverpool in March. For the German side, remaining in the last elite Eight has already been its best run in the UCL. But run deeper, why not? On the other side, Atletico is aiming to reach the final for the third time in seven years. With Cristiano Ronaldo, the Atleti’s bogey man, missing the flight to Lisbon, Los Rojiblancos should take their best opportunity to bring home the trophy. But first thing first, take down the high-flying RB Leipzig.
Friday presents a showdown with Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich. The early final, the game of the year, you name it! Despite criticizing his own team, Messi threw out another genius performance against Napoli, carrying Barça to the quarterfinals. But Bayern looks invincible at the moment, fueled by Robert Lewandowski - the goal machine that could have won the Ballon d'Or this year. Bold prediction: Who wins this match will go on to lift the trophy. Another bold prediction: Messi’s time at Catalonia is running out.
One of the biggest moments of the season came when Man City’s two-year ban from the Champions League was overturned in mid-July. About four weeks later, a victory over Real Madrid put the Citizens even higher in the sky. But this Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s men have to keep their feet on the ground as they face another heavy test, Olympique Lyon, who pulled off an upset over Juventus. Led by Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele, Lyon eyes a UCL semifinals return for the first time since 2010, while Kevin De Bruyne & Co. aim to avoid being eliminated in the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. City fans shouldn’t worry much, for another chance is still there for their team next season.
The one-legged knockout format and the rush to finish this season make football fans wait no longer than 72 hours from this Saturday’s game to enjoy the semifinals before the best Two bring down the curtain on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Sandwiched between the UCL quarterfinals and semifinals are the UEFA Europa League semifinals, featuring European veterans Manchester United and Inter Milan. They will play the five-time UEL winner Sevilla and the more-Brazilian-than-Ukrainian Shakhtar Donetsk, respectively, for a place in the final on Friday, Aug. 21.
So, aren’t you entertained?